Hi Kimberly,
My oldest had some sight words at about 18 months and by 20-22 months was counting like your daughter. She was also counting backwards which to me meant she understood the pattern of numbers and wasn't just memorizing a list. Which at that age, just memorizing the numbers is great.
She read early but not until just turning four, but she learned on her own, I thought they taught her in pre-school.
My youngest daugher showed the ability to sound out words and read basic sentences at three, but then didn't show much interest going forward. Turns out she needed glasses and just got them!
At this age it's so hard to tell what they will do and when. I love that she likes workbooks and wants to do what her brothers are doing. I would let her play in the workbooks if it makes her happy. Let her do it herself and not worry about whether or not she is following directions or doing it "correctly".
Also, maybe try printing the numbers on large lined paper and let her attempt to copy them. If she's having fun, I wouldn't worry too much if it's not accurate or very sloppy.
She may be a kid who loves academic work and she's obviosly very intelligent. I have a picture of a cute little baby demanding to do homework in my head. So cute and makes me giggle.
I think you are right to worry about pushing her, she's so young! But on the other hand, I always gave my daughters what they asked for if it wasn't a danger issue. Whether or not it seemed as if they knew what to do with it. They either figured it out or they didn't but had fun along the way. I was amazed at the some of the stuff they "shouldn't" have been able to do. If I would have said or thought: "Oh, you can't have that, you're too little" I would have totally shortchanged them. Again, making sure the things I allowed them were never choking or safety issue.
